The study from the University of Greenwich by Dr Emmanuel Mogaji and others interviewed a number of current sportswomen from different disciplines across the UK and found a consensus among them. Professional female athletes in the UK feel that they often have to choose between their profession and other key life decisions such as owning a property or starting a family as the money they receive by being an athlete often does not allow for both, this is in stark contrast to male professional athletes in the UK.
One athletics professional in her early 20s said:
“I would love to have my children and start a family soon, I see my nieces and nephews at family events, but I don’t think I can afford to start a family now. I am still investing so much time and money into my sports, and I don’t have the resources to do that now.”
And a footballer in their 30s said:
“Raising a family has not been easy; I am on the verge of retiring as I cannot combine childcare with my sports. It is becoming financially draining, and I need to decide.”
Professor Emmanuel Mogaji said:
“When we think of professional athletes from the UK, we do not associate them with hard choices when it comes to their finances, especially not in sports such as football. But for many female professional athletes, this is a reality”
This added worry and stress can often lead to serious depression.
“You will not imagine how depressing this can be, sometimes I feel like giving up and trying something else, but this is the only thing I enjoy, but you should know that money is essential to keep you going. It is affecting my health, but I am keeping on.” Said one Gymnast in her early 20s.
The paper calls for both better understanding of the hardships faced by female athletes and better support.
Dr Mogaji says:
"While recognising their success in sports, addressing the financial wellbeing of sportswomen is important. These are individuals who are going through different struggles and making hard decisions because they choose to play sports. Our study has highlighted the range of contextual and personal factors that impact on sportswomen’s financial well-being. We recognise that stakeholders ranging from the Governing bodies, media and corporate organisations have a role in supporting sports played by women and sportswomen."
